Fast action shock invariant magnetic actuator for firearms

An electromagnetic actuator for a firing mechanism of a firearm, the electromagnetic actuator comprising:

• a central axis;
• an annular stationary outer yoke circumscribing an interior central space, the yoke including an open top receptacle and a bottom opening;
• a spool arranged in the central space and defining a longitudinal cavity extending along the central axis;
• an electromagnetic coil wound around the spool;
• an axially elongated rotating member disposed in the cavity of the spool about a pivot axis defining a center of rotation, the rotating member pivotably movable relative to the yoke between first and second actuation positions;
• the rotating member comprising an operating end protrusion arranged in the top receptacle of the yoke and configured to interface with a movable component of the firing mechanism, and an opposite actuating end protrusion arranged in the bottom opening of the yoke;
• a pair of spaced apart first and second permanent magnets attached to the outer yoke or the rotating member in the bottom opening and creating a static holding torque on the rotating member for maintaining the first or second actuation positions;
• an openable and closeable first air gap formed between the yoke and the actuating end protrusion on a first side of rotating member, and an openable and closeable second air gap formed between the yoke and the actuating end protrusion on a second side of rotating member;
• the yoke, permanent magnets, and rotating member collectively forming a first magnetic flux circuit and a second magnetic flux circuit;
• wherein the rotating member is rotatable between the first and second actuation positions by changing a polarity of an electric current applied to the electromagnet coil from a power source.

A method for assembling an electromagnetic actuator, the method comprising:

• providing an outer yoke comprising a first half-section and a second half-section, an elongated rotating member comprising an operating end protrusion and an actuating end protrusion, a pair of first and second permanent magnets disposed on the outer yoke or rotating member, and an inner spool formed of a non-magnetic material;
• pivotably mounting the rotating member in a cavity formed in the spool;
• winding an electric coil around the spool yoke;
• positioning the spool between the first and second half-sections of the outer yoke;
• coupling the first and second half-sections of the outer yoke together to trap the spool in a central space of the outer yoke;
• wherein the rotating member is pivotably movable between a first actuation position and a second actuation position.